Do You Need a Lawyer if You're Found With a Large Amount of Marijuana for Medical Uses?
A growing number of Australian jurisdiction are exploring the idea of decriminalising marijuana and allowing medical marijuana to help people manage chronic conditions including chronic pain and the side effects from cancer treatment. However this is not a 'free for all' and you can still get in serious legal trouble in certain circumstances. Here are some times that you may need a lawyer even if you are carrying marijuana for medical purposes.
If it's still illegal
While many areas 'turn a blind eye' to medical marijuana it's still not allowed in some areas. If you do get caught with medical marijuana and it's not legal in the area you are caught, you should seek legal advice. If you are planning on travelling and need to take medical marijuana with you when you go it is a good idea to get legal advice so that you do not get caught trying to import marijuana across state or country borders, as this can carry a higher penalty than simple possession.
If you've got too much with you
Medical marijuana is highly restricted and patients are only allowed to carry limited amounts in line with both legal definitions in your area and their prescription. If you are travelling or have simply 'stocked up' to avoid frequent trips to the pharmacy, then you can easily find that you are in possession of more than the allowed amount. It is important in this situation to get a lawyer involved and explain the situation that has lead to you having this excess of product with you.
If it's in the wrong form
In many locations only certain forms of marijuana are allowed to be carried, which generally includes oil that have been treated to rid it if if the 'high'. That means that even though it can be more expensive you can't use street grade marijuana or marijuana products such as hashish or resin. If you are having trouble digesting the allowed forms of marijuana it is important to discuss this issue with your doctor to explore different medications or delivery styles rather than using illegal substances. This usually also prevents you from growing your own marijuana at home.
If you do get caught with the wrong form of marijuana it is important to get a lawyer to help you form a defence.
As this is a dynamic field of lawyer it is important to choose a lawyer who is familiar with medical marijuana law if you do need assistance.
